Relatable style tips from a design guru. A simple guide to dressing, accessorizing and looking amazing.

How to Travel in Style!

I believe that you should always travel in style.If you look like you belong in first class you just might end up there.With all the turmoil happening with the airlines right now it is so important to look pulled together and just plain fierce(people are less likely to mess with you).It is important to look fabulous on your flight and at your destination as well.Remember you take many more pictures when you travel and all those social media posts.Starting with Thanksgiving and going into Christmas is the busiest travel times.

They key is what you pack,how you pack and what you wear.Never check a bag unless you absolutely have to.The cost for checked bags goes up all most every month,plus there is all the time you end up waiting for them.In addition if you have a checked bag you have a lot less flexibility to change a flight.With so much luggage going missing or not arriving with you you are much better off having everything you need in the palm of your hand specially if there is a delay.Here are the a,b,c’s of a great travel wardrobe.

A.What to pack.

1-Create a color story for your trip,it should not be more than 3 main colors and a pop color or print.This will ensure that everything goes with each other.Your pop should only be in tops.Here are some color stories that are trending right now.Your color story should be in harmony with the nature of your trip.

2-Pay attention to fabrication,try to pack as many wrinkle resistant fabrics as possible.Stay away from linens,silks and certain wools they do not travel well.Stick to jersey,ponte and fabrics that drape well.Also put the clothes you pack on a diet,Look for the thinnest fabrics that provide the most warmth specially when it comes to fleece and outerwear.Lay out your outfit combinations and take pictures on your phone.For cold weather travel look for ultra light weight thinsulate or down jackets and coats.Do not travel with a lined wool coat.

3-Pack your work horse pieces.Everything you choose should have at least an 80 % chance of being used.Denim jeans,black stretchy pants,jersey tops and little black dresses all fall in to this category.Also pack convertible pieces,these are pieces that can be worn more than one way.If you are not sure about what a convertible piece is watch this video.

4-Pack lots of accessories.Bling gives you major bang for your buck when you are traveling.It is small, but can completely transform a simple dress or top.make sure you pack at least 3 statement pieces.It is also important to make sure the pieces go with your color story.

5-Scarves are your secret weapon to traveling light and looking fabulous.They are incredibly light and fold into the smallest squares.they can be tucked into any spare corner you have.Make sure you have a solid one,a printed one and an embellished one.They can become belts,hats,shirts or tops in an instant.Here are a couple of cheat sheets that show you how.

6.I say this with much pain!.Limit the number of shoes you pack,they weight the most and take up the most space. do not pack any uncomfortable shoes.Right now you should pack a heel in nude or black for evening,a comfortable all weather day shoe the and a light athletic waterproof shoe for walking around or working out look for a collapsable one.You should wear your boots as they are the hardest to back but make sure they come on and off easily for security.So 3 pairs that is all that goes in your bag.Make sure you pack a small clutch that goes with your heels for evening.

B.How to pack.

1-Layout everything on your bed including the outfit you are going to travel in.Count you should have at least 3 tops for every bottom.make sure all the colors sit in harmony.The reason you put your travel outfit on the bed is to make sure it goes with the pieces you pack.

2.Pack using zip lock bags and roll your clothes,squeeze out any excess air.Delicate knits should be wrapped in tissue paper to prevent them from getting snagged.If you travel with a jacket turn it inside out and fold the shoulders in before you roll.(you cannot do this with men’s jackets).

3.Start with you shoes laying them toe to heel at the bottom of your bag.Stuff them with underwear,scarves and belts.Not only does this make efficient use of space,this helps the shoe keep it’s shape.

4.Resist any last minute urges to pack extras.Your clothing will expand as you wear it and the most important thing is “you have to leave room to shop”.

C.What to wear.

1-Comfort and Style is your mantra.Poly/Spandex blends are the best to travel in.Make sure the fabric drapes well and does not cling.Do opt for an elastic waist and pockets are a plus.Keep your outfit monochromatic and in a dark color.

2. Always have a shawl/scarf with you airplanes are cold and this is a much more stylish way to stay warm rather than an airplane blanket.Plus you can do something fun with it when you get to your destination.

3.Sunglasses,a great handbag and a touch of fragrance is also a must.Do have lipstick and moisturizer handy to apply thru out the flight.

4.If you take off your shoes or your most outer layer make sure they are easy to put back on.

5.Put a small pillowcase in the pocket of your coat,Fold your coat and use it as a pillow during the flight.This will keep it clean and you will not have to stuff it in the overhead compartment.

D.When you get to your destination.

1.Unpack everything and hang what you can.If anything is wrinkled take it to the bathroom and hang it on your door while you shower.Most of the wrinkles should come out.Travel with a small bottle of Downy Wrinkle release,this helps if something gets really wrinkled.Also travel with shout pen or wipes.A portable steamer is also a must have.In a pinch your hotel hair dryer can help get wrinkles out.Spray a little water on the garment and blow on low.

2.Make sure you take out all the items from your shoes and lay out your accessories on a table(not the real stuff).

3.Plan your outfits for the next few days and hang them in order,review pictures of them on you phone so you do not forget the combinations you came up with.

Feeling and looking gorgeous when you travel is as easy as A,B,C and D

5 Comments

Great tips Sunil.
Nice to refresh myself with these tips as I get ready for the holidays. I’d forgotten about a few P2P pieces that I will niw be wearing. Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S.
I have become a shoe-holic and love me some scarfs!

Oh Sunil, just in time for our 6 week vacation to Europe. I will follow all of your suggestions but limiting shoes is the most difficult.
I purchased a pair of comfortable silver sandals for dressing up which should work for going out but I also need sneakers for lots of walking. Also bought a pair of walking sandals with 3 straps so I can adjust them if my feet swell. I got a neutral shade. I am really tempted to wear my sketchers as well on the plane, They work as a shoes or a slip on. Now I am at 4 pairs.
I love the idea of more accessories since I always limit them.
Thanks once again for all of the great tips. Hugs C